Planning an outdoor wedding?  Outdoor weddings can be absolutely gorgeous but there is only one problem and that is your mother - that is Mother Nature.  Since last Friday, where I live, it has been blizzarding and cold!  You would think we would be safe at the end of April for wonderful spring conditions but not here in Calgary, Alberta!

We had no warning, no weatherman prediction.  This can happen anywhere, anytime so be prepared if you plan to have an outdoor wedding.  Mother really doesn’t care that it’s your wedding day. 

This is springtime in Calgary - I felt sorry for all the brides who got married in Calgary, last Saturday (April 19, 2008) - this is what they woke up to for their wedding day.  Hopefully - they had a BACKUP!

Here are a few suggestions that you should have in place just in case Mother does decide to unleash her wrath on your day:

• Let your guests know that your wedding will be outdoors.  This will let them know to dress appropriately – bring a sweater for later in the evening, come prepared with sunglasses and/or sunscreen etc.

• Have a Plan B.  Be prepared to move the party indoors somewhere if Mother really lets you have it.  Consider renting a tent to accommodate your guests and reception near the outdoor event.  This can also be used for guests who need to escape the heat if your day turns out to be a scorcher.

• Rent heaters for cool or damp days or small fans for hot and humid weather.

Be ready to laugh…one bride I know woke up to a beautiful sunny day, perfect for her wedding.  Just as she started down the aisle, a rainstorm started, as they said their vows thunder roared at them.  But, all through it, they just smiled and continued on.  Remember: nothing can stop love.

If this is just too much stress (or extra cost) for you to bear, then create a garden inside.  We have quite a few weddings within our book that give you spectacular ideas to hold say a beach wedding as snow falls outdoors.  

Now, I do have one more piece of advice….wait 5 minutes.  Where I live, there’s a saying that if you don’t like the weather, don’t worry, wait 5 minutes and it will change.  When you depart your home here, you need to bring a pair of snow boats, an umbrella and shorts.  As - who knows what the day will bring!

For more great theme ideas, make sure you get your copy of Unique Theme Weddings to create a wedding like no other!